5 Practical Tips When Applying For College

After years of having everything decided for you — from which classes to take to what clothes to wear — you now have the privilege (and the responsibility!) of deciding what you should do for the rest of your life.

Sounds daunting? Fret not!

Here are some practical tips for you when deciding which pre-university course to study, and identifying the right college that’s best for you.

Make sure you fully understand the exam structure, fees, intakes, duration and university options that are available to you when you choose a course. You don’t want to be caught by surprise and only realise at the last minute that it’s not the right course for you.

#3. Get your family involved

Being independent is great, but your parents will bring a different perspective and a wealth of experience. Bring them to college open days and education fairs, as they may ask questions that you may not have thought of.

Check with your older siblings or cousins too, since they can offer good insights based on their own experience. Making your own decisions can be overwhelming and confusing, but speaking to others who have gone through it before may help you make an informed decision.

#4. Don’t miss the forest for the trees

Many SPM leavers stress and obsess over the little details, such as whether they should study Petroleum Engineering or Chemical Engineering.

The truth is, you don’t necessarily have to decide your exact degree in order to take your next step after SPM. In fact, it can be quite premature to make up your mind so early, especially when you haven’t been exposed to the many options that are out there.

You can always keep your options open by choosing Pre-University courses that are more broad-based, like A-Level, Australian Matriculation or Canadian Pre-University. Choosing the right combination of subjects for Pre-University will allow you to pursue a wide range of degrees once you’ve successfully completed the course.

#5. Prepare your documents

Once you have decided on which course you want to study and the college, start preparing as early as possible. Usually, you will need these supporting documents:

Certified true copy of your latest SPM results

Copy of your Identity Card (IC)

Passport-sized colour photograph

To get your SPM results certified, all you need to do is head to your school’s office to get a stamp and a signature.

Applying for college can be overwhelming and confusing, but by breaking it down into steps, you will find that it isn’t so daunting after all.